Medical Clearance for GM BC/BS

[RSiegel663]

>Subject: Re: Medical Clearance for GM BC/BS
>From: fbutts at hsc.vcu.edu ("Frank M Butts")
>Date: Sat, Nov 1, 1997 12:51 EST
>Message-id: <Pine.A41.3.96.971101124553.106250A-100000 at comet.vcu.edu>
>
>On Fri, 31 Oct 1997, Jeffrey Sirianni wrote:
>
>> Thanks one and all for responding to my inquiry on defining a "standard
>> hearing aid" as provided as a benefit for some GM retirees with BC/BS.
>> 
>> My next question/story stems for a situation that arose last week in the
>> office and I would like to share my experience with everyone and gather
>> responses and comments.
>> 
>> I have a couple in my practice (one ENT, one audiologist) who are retired
>> GM employees with BC/BS.  The husband is Medicare (disabled) plus BC/BS,
>> while the wife is BC/BS only.  They have received several hearing aids a
>> piece through their years as an employee/retiree of GM from a Miracle Ear
>> dealer.
>> 
>> When this couple called to set up their appointments to see about getting
>> new hearing aids, it was my understanding that a medical clearance was
>> required by BC/BS as a prerequisite to hearing aid acquisition.

> The woman called back the next
>> day mad that we charged her for an ENT office visit for medical clearance
>> saying that the Miracle Ear dealer in Indiana never charged her a cent for
>> getting a hearing aid.  She did say that the dealer "made arrangements"
>> with a local physician for medical clearance to which she went to see
>> him/her, but was not charged for his/her ENT medical services.

>
>It is my understanding that paying for a referral violates federal and
>state laws.  I'm sure the an attorny would be the best source for this
>improtant question.
>
>fbutts at gems.vcu.edu
>> 
>


True    but   The dispenser did not pay for a referral     he paid the cost of
 an office visit to an ENT office, this is legal.

Think about it.

Bob
Robert B. Siegel M.S. CCC-A, BC-HIS
Family Hearing Centers
2001 Lincoln Dr W.   Suite E
Marlton, NJ 08053-1531